Surface cleaner including forward-facing liquid tanks

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaner including a base; a handle assembly coupled to the base and configured to move the base along a surface in at least a forward direction and a rearward direction; a steam generating device configured to receive water and generate steam; a nozzle disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the steam generating device, the nozzle configured to receive steam from the steam generating device and dispense the steam onto the surface; and a first and second supply tanks coupled to the handle assembly and adapted to contain first and second fluids, respectively, to be distributed onto the surface, each of the first and second supply tanks including forward-facing portions, wherein each of the forward-facing portions is at least partially transparent such that the first and second fluids within the first and second supply tanks, respectively, are visible from a front of the surface cleaner.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to steam surface cleaners, and moreparticularly a steam mop including multiple forward-facing liquidstorage tanks.

Surface cleaners, such as steam mops, typically include a supply tankincluding a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber can beused to retain water, and the second chamber can be used to retain acleaning solution. The steam mop typically includes an electric heaterthat is operable to heat the water to produce steam, which is dispensedfrom the steam mop and onto a surface to be cleaned through a cleaninghead. The steam mop may also includes a scrubbing pad or the like thatis moved along the surface by the user to facilitate removing dirt anddebris from the surface. The supply tank is generally positioned on theback of the steam mop or within the steam mop, making it difficult forthe user to observe how much fluid is in the tank during operation.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a surface cleaner operable toclean a surface. The surface cleaner includes: a base; a handle assemblycoupled to the base and configured to move the base along the surface inat least a forward direction and a rearward direction; a steamgenerating device configured to receive water and generate steam; anozzle disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the steamgenerating device, the nozzle configured to receive steam from the steamgenerating device and dispense the steam onto the surface; a firstsupply tank coupled to the handle assembly and adapted to contain afirst fluid, the first supply tank being in fluid communication with thenozzle, the first supply tank including a forward-facing portion,wherein the forward-facing portion is at least partially transparentsuch that the first fluid within the first supply tank is visible from afront of the surface cleaner; and a second supply tank coupled to thehandle assembly and adapted to contain a second fluid, the second supplytank being in fluid communication with the nozzle, the second supplytank including a forward-facing portion, wherein the forward-facingportion is at least partially transparent such that the first fluidwithin the first supply tank is visible from a front of the surfacecleaner.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a steam cleaner operableto clean a surface. The steam cleaner includes: a base configured todispense steam onto the surface; a handle assembly coupled to the baseand configured to move the base along the surface in at least a forwarddirection and a rearward direction; and a first and second supply tankscoupled to the handle assembly and adapted to contain first and secondfluids, respectively, to be distributed onto the surface, each of thefirst and second supply tanks including forward-facing portions, whereineach of the forward-facing portions is at least partially transparentsuch that the first and second fluids within the first and second supplytanks, respectively, are visible from a front of the surface cleaner.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a surface cleaneroperable to clean a surface. The surface cleaner includes: a base; ahandle assembly coupled to the base and configured to move the basealong the surface in at least a forward direction and a rearwarddirection; a steam generating device configured to receive water andgenerate steam; a nozzle disposed on the base and in fluid communicationwith the steam generating device, the nozzle configured to receive steamfrom the steam generating device and dispense the steam onto thesurface; a first supply tank coupled to and entirely disposed on a sideof the handle assembly and adapted to contain a first fluid, the firstsupply tank being in fluid communication with the nozzle, the firstsupply tank including a forward-facing portion, wherein theforward-facing portion is at least partially transparent such that thefirst fluid within the first supply tank is visible from a front of thesurface cleaner; and a second supply tank coupled to and entirelydisposed on an opposite side of the handle assembly and adapted tocontain a second fluid, the second supply tank being in fluidcommunication with the nozzle, the second supply tank including aforward-facing portion, wherein the forward-facing portion is at leastpartially transparent such that the first fluid within the first supplytank is visible from a front of the surface cleaner.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaner.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the surface cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handle assembly and a base.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a housing of the handle assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a surface cleaner according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the surface cleaner of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a surface cleaner according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an upright surface cleaner 10, which is a steam mopor steam surface cleaner in the illustrated embodiment. The surfacecleaner 10 includes a handle assembly 12 (having a handle 14 and ahousing 18), a steam generating device 20, and a foot or base 22pivotably coupled to the handle 14 and the housing 18. The handle 14 isconnected to the housing 18 such that the handle assembly 12 pivots withrespect to the base 22. The illustrated handle 14 includes a gripportion 26, an elongated connecting portion 30, and cord wrap arms 34 a,34 b. The grip portion 26 includes a trigger 38 (FIG. 3) and a triggerlock switch 40 for locking the trigger 38 in a depressed state. Thetrigger 38 is long to provide more leverage and enable the user todepress the trigger 38 with little effort.

The elongated connecting portion 30 connects the grip portion 26 to thehousing 18. An electrical cord 42 for supplying power to the surfacecleaner 10 is wrapped around the cord wrap arms 34 a, 34 b for storagepurposes. In one embodiment, the cord wrap arms 34 a, 34 b are rotatablycoupled to the handle 14 such that rotating the cord wrap arms 34 a, 34b allows the cord 42 to be released and uncoiled without requiring theuser to unwrap the cord 42 manually. As shown in FIG. 2, the cord 42 iscoupled to the housing 18 at a position that is away from the cord wrap34 to avoid interference.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 22 includes a cover 46, a cleaningpad 50 coupled to the cover, and a dispensing nozzle (not shown). In theillustrated embodiment, the steam-generating device 20 is defined as achamber formed between the cover 46 and the cleaning pad 50. Thesteam-generating device 20 includes a heating element and produces steamto be applied to the surface. The steam-generating device 20 also allowsfor mixing of water and a concentrated cleaing solution or disinfectant.In other embodiments, the steam-generating device 20 is positioned inthe housing 18, such that steam is formed and fluids are mixed beforereaching the base 22 As the user moves the base 22 over the surface tobe cleaned, fluids are dispensed onto the surface by the nozzle. Theuser controls the release of the cleaning fluids via the trigger 38(FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the base 22 has a low profileallowing the base 22 to fit underneath furniture. The base 22 alsoincludes corners that are substantially 90 degrees to allow the base 22to fit into corners.

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 18 includes a control panel 52 forselecting the flow rate for the steam and cleaning solutions. Thecontrol panel 52 includes a steam controller 54 for moderating theamount of steam that is dispensed onto the surface, a solution contoller56 for moderating the concentration of cleaning solution in the fluidthat is dispensed onto the surface, and a power button 58 for turningthe cleaner 10 on or off. In one embodiment, the power button 58 isilluminated red to indicate that the fluid is warming. When the steam isready, the button 58 is illuminated green.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 18 includes a front surface 60,a rear surface 62, a first lateral side 64, a second lateral side 66, afirst supply tank 70 and a second supply tank 74. Each of the supplytanks 70, 74 holds a cleaning fluid, which can include water, aconcentrated cleaning solution, a disinfectant, or any mixture of thesefluids. The fluid in each tank 70, 74 can be mixed downstream from thetanks 70, 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the first supply tank 70contains water and is positioned on the first lateral side 64 of thehousing 18. The second supply tank 74 is positioned on the secondlateral side 66 of the housing 18 and contains the concentrated cleaningsolution. A supply conduit (not shown) fluidly connects the first supplytank 70 and the second supply tank 74 to the steam-generating device 20and also fluidly connects the steam-generating device 20 to thedispensing nozzle.

During operation, the fluid from the first supply tank 70 and the secondsupply tank 74 are mixed together and then flow to the steam-generatingdevice 20. The heating element of the steam-generating device 20 heatsthe cleaning fluid mixture, transforming the mixture into steam. Thesteam is transported to the dispensing nozzle, where the steam isemitted onto the surface to be cleaned. In other embodiments, the fluidfrom the first supply tank 70 flows to the steam-generating device 20,which heats the fluid to produce steam. The steam is then mixed withfluid from the second supply tank 74, and the mixture is transported tothe dispensing nozzle. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a pump is influid communication with the supply conduit to pressurize the cleaningfluid and increase the flow of steam onto the surface. In otherembodiments the flow of fluid from the supply tanks 70, 74 is controlledby gravity. In still other embodiments, a venturi device can bepositioned in fluid communication with both the second supply tank 74and the steam-generating device 20. As pressurized steam exits thesteam-generating device 20, the pressure differential in the venturidevice induces fluid to flow from the second supply tank 74 and mix withthe steam.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, each supply tank 70, 74 includes a portion orwall 78, 82, respectively, forming at least a portion of the frontsurface 60 of the housing 18. Each first wall 78, 82 is at leastpartially transparent such that the fluid in each supply tank 70, 74 isexposed to the user while the surface cleaner is in operation 10. Theexposed supply tanks 70, 74 provide the user with a clear, visualindication of the fluid level in each tank 70, 74 even when the surfacecleaner 10 is in operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstsupply tank 70 is larger than the second supply tank 74 because one ofthe fluids (for example, water) may be used in greater amounts than theother fluid during operation of the surface cleaner 10. In theillustrated embodiment, each supply tank 70, 74 includes a molded gripindentation 86 and a textured surface to enable the user to easilyuncouple each tank 78, 82 from the housing 18. In addition to the fluidlevel being visible, a filter 90 (FIG. 5) for each container is visibleto the user without requiring disassembly.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a surface cleaner 410 according to anotherembodiment. The surface cleaner 410 is similar to the surface cleaner 10described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5, and similar parts have beengiven the same reference numbers plus 400. The surface cleaner 410includes a handle assembly 412 (having a handle 414 and a housing 418),and a base 422 pivotably coupled to the handle assembly 412.

The housing 418 includes a first supply tank 470 and a second supplytank 474 such that the first supply tank 470 is positioned above thesecond supply tank 474. Each supply tank 470, 474 includes a first wall478, 482 forming at least a portion of the front surface 454 of thehousing 418. Each first wall 478, 482 is at least partially transparentto allow the user to easily detect how much fluid remains in each supplytank 470, 474.

FIG. 8 illustrate a surface cleaner 810 according to yet anotherembodiment. The surface cleaner 810 is similar to the surface cleaner 10described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5, and similar parts have beengiven the same reference numbers plus 800. The surface cleaner 810includes a handle assembly 812 (having a handle 814 and a housing 818),and a base 822 pivotably coupled to the handle assembly 812.

The housing 818 includes a supply tank assembly 870 and a debriscollection container 890. The supply tank assembly 870 is positioned onthe first lateral side 864 of the housing 814, and includes a first tank872 and a second tank 876 positioned below the first tank 872. Thesupply tank assembly 870 includes a first wall 878 that forms at least aportion of the front surface 860 of the housing 818. The first wall 878is at least partially transparent to allow the user to easily detect howmuch fluid remains in each tank chamber 872, 876. The debris collectioncontainer 890 is positioned on the second lateral side 866 of thehousing 818. The surface cleaner 810 includes a suction source (notshown) in fluid communication with the debris collection container 890and the base 822. As the user moves the base 822 over the surface to becleaned, dirt and debris are sucked through an inlet (not shown) in thebase 822 and deposited in the debris collection container 890. The userempties the debris collection container 890 as necessary.

Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a floor cleanerincluding exposed liquid tanks. Although the invention has beendescribed in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments,variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one ormore independent aspects of the invention as described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surface cleaner operable to clean a surface,the surface cleaner comprising: a base; a handle assembly coupled to thebase and configured to move the base along the surface in at least aforward direction and a rearward direction; a steam generating deviceconfigured to receive water and generate steam; a nozzle disposed on thebase and in fluid communication with the steam generating device, thenozzle configured to receive steam from the steam generating device anddispense the steam onto the surface; a first supply tank coupled to thehandle assembly and adapted to contain a first fluid, the first supplytank being in fluid communication with the nozzle, the first supply tankincluding a forward-facing portion, wherein the forward-facing portionis at least partially transparent such that the first fluid within thefirst supply tank is visible from a front of the surface cleaner; and asecond supply tank coupled to the handle assembly and adapted to containa second fluid, the second supply tank being in fluid communication withthe nozzle, the second supply tank including a forward-facing portion,wherein the forward-facing portion is at least partially transparentsuch that the first fluid within the first supply tank is visible from afront of the surface cleaner.
 2. The surface cleaner of claim 1, whereinthe first supply tank is positioned on a lateral side of the handleassembly and the second supply tank is positioned on the oppositelateral side of the handle assembly.
 3. The surface cleaner of claim 1,wherein the first supply tank is positioned above the second supplytank.
 4. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the first and secondsupply tanks include water.
 5. The surface cleaner of claim 1, whereinthe first supply tank includes water and the second supply tank includesa cleaning solution or a disinfectant.
 6. The surface cleaner of claim1, wherein the first supply tank includes a cleaning solution and thesecond supply tank includes a disinfectant.
 7. The surface cleaner ofclaim 1, further comprising a suction motor and a dirt collectioncontainer coupled to the handle assembly and in fluid communication withthe suction motor such that the suction motor draws dirt and debris fromthe surface into the collection container, the collection containerincluding a forward-facing portion, wherein the forward-facing portionis at least partially transparent such that the dirt and debris withinthe collection container is visible from a front of the surface cleaner.8. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the first and second supplytanks are integrally formed as a single component.
 9. A steam cleaneroperable to clean a surface, the steam cleaner comprising: a baseconfigured to dispense steam onto the surface; a handle assembly coupledto the base and configured to move the base along the surface in atleast a forward direction and a rearward direction; and a first andsecond supply tanks coupled to the handle assembly and adapted tocontain first and second fluids, respectively, to be distributed ontothe surface, each of the first and second supply tanks includingforward-facing portions, wherein each of the forward-facing portions isat least partially transparent such that the first and second fluidswithin the first and second supply tanks, respectively, are visible froma front of the surface cleaner.
 10. The surface cleaner of claim 9,wherein the first and second supply tanks are positioned on oppositelateral sides of the handle assembly.
 11. The surface cleaner of claim9, wherein the first supply tank is positioned above the second supplytank.
 12. The surface cleaner of claim 9, wherein the first and secondsupply tanks include water.
 13. The surface cleaner of claim 9, whereinthe first supply tank includes water and the second supply tank includesa cleaning solution or a disinfectant.
 14. The surface cleaner of claim9, wherein the first supply tank includes a cleaning solution and thesecond supply tank includes a disinfectant.
 15. The surface cleaner ofclaim 9, further comprising a suction motor and a dirt collectioncontainer coupled to the handle assembly and in fluid communication withthe suction motor such that the suction motor draws dirt and debris fromthe surface into the collection container, the collection containerincluding a forward-facing portion, wherein the forward-facing portionis at least partially transparent such that the dirt and debris withinthe collection container is visible from a front of the surface cleaner.16. The surface cleaner of claim 9, wherein the first and second supplytanks are integrally formed as a single component.
 17. A surface cleaneroperable to clean a surface, the surface cleaner comprising: a base; ahandle assembly coupled to the base and configured to move the basealong the surface in at least a forward direction and a rearwarddirection; a steam generating device configured to receive water andgenerate steam; a nozzle disposed on the base and in fluid communicationwith the steam generating device, the nozzle configured to receive steamfrom the steam generating device and dispense the steam onto thesurface; a first supply tank coupled to and entirely disposed on a sideof the handle assembly and adapted to contain a first fluid, the firstsupply tank being in fluid communication with the nozzle, the firstsupply tank including a forward-facing portion, wherein theforward-facing portion is at least partially transparent such that thefirst fluid within the first supply tank is visible from a front of thesurface cleaner; and a second supply tank coupled to and entirelydisposed on an opposite side of the handle assembly and adapted tocontain a second fluid, the second supply tank being in fluidcommunication with the nozzle, the second supply tank including aforward-facing portion, wherein the forward-facing portion is at leastpartially transparent such that the first fluid within the first supplytank is visible from a front of the surface cleaner.